So, apparently, it's time for an e-bike.

[rockshins]

23 hours ago, TheX said:

I swapped the 165mm crank arms for a pair of 155's. Pedal strikes are gone.

Nice! I went down to 170mm cranks from 175 and honestly can tell the difference on pedal strikes. Not sure I would go any shorter though, my seat is already so high up, don’t want to slacken the seat angle any more. 

[RedRider3141]

On 6/30/2024 at 12:57 PM, TheX said:

I swapped the 165mm crank arms for a pair of 155's. Pedal strikes are gone.

are you interested in selling the 165s?

[TheX]

1 hour ago, RedRider3141 said:

are you interested in selling the 165s?

They only work on the bike with the Fazua motor, not like regular crank arms.

[TheX]

More good news for Class-1 ebike riders.

https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2024/08/13/e-bikes-now-allowed-natural-bike-paths/

[RedRider3141]

So I finally got to try a "real" eMTB today at the Pivot demo. Overall the experience was about what I expected. More miles, less tired, easier on my heart but still a good workout. It was alot of fun, but almost got borderline boring by the end? Hard to explain, maybe because after 17 miles at Walnut you've done everything at least once. I'd really like to try one on an A to B adventure ride or as a gravel bike for longer distance. I think I'd really like it. 

The bike (Shuttle SL) was great, I'm not a well. qualified reviewer but I'd say the bike and it's 3+ power modes were spot on. Perfect amount of assistance with easy controls to use while riding. Never once did I feel like the motor was doing something for nothing and never once did it feel like it was overpowering me. Spec was great, more than enough to handle the nut. I would love to try it on something techy like 1/4 notch. I think he said it was 37ishlbs. It felt great, but I have a dirt bike background so the extra weight didn't bother me at all compared to my 30 ish lbs  "acoustic" bike. 

 

I can 100% see the alure for someone who wants to extend their riding career due to age, health etc. Or someone who wants to get more miles in. However, I would say, it's a different sport, it's not a dirt bike but it's almost not a MTB. Maybe you could grab a 90s stump jumper and compare it my Timberjack and say the same thing. 

[throet]

At 67 years old and with much younger friends getting into eBikes, it would have been logical for what should be my last bike purchase to be an eBike. Instead, I decided on a lightweight, performance-oriented race bike. Monarch Crest is a true test, and the one time I rode it (27 mi with more climbing than I ever expected given the elevation we started at), I was on an 11-spd with 30X42 being my lowest gearing. I was in pretty good shape, but it was sheer punishment on the climbs. This bike will definitely help, and I may even try to get back to Salida in Aug or Sep this year to test it out. I'll definitely swap out the 34t chainring for a 30t though to give me the full advantage that I need, i.e. 30X52 = 19% efficiency gain over the 30X42 that I've been riding for the last 9 years. So I guess that I'm viewing this as my form of an eBike, and at 24lb, it will be SUPER fun to rocket around on. 

 

[AustinBike]

Good strategy. Out here it is now almost 50/50 on bike vs. e-bike and it feels like the shops are primarily selling e-bikes, so the regular bike base is stagnant to shrinking. But with 2-3000 feet of climbing, it's reasonable to consider a motor.

I swapped from 32x50 to 30x50 and it was a nice little upgrade. My hardtail is 32x42 is a bit of a push on most trails.

I think you'll find the lighter bike with the more aggressive gearing will be a significant upgrade for you. I think you'll do fine on Monarch Crest with your new bike, a lightweight XC bike should do fine.

[TAF]

On 5/2/2026 at 9:22 AM, throet said:

At 67 years old and with much younger friends getting into eBikes, it would have been logical for what should be my last bike purchase to be an eBike. Instead, I decided on a lightweight, performance-oriented race bike. Monarch Crest is a true test, and the one time I rode it (27 mi with more climbing than I ever expected given the elevation we started at), I was on an 11-spd with 30X42 being my lowest gearing. I was in pretty good shape, but it was sheer punishment on the climbs. This bike will definitely help, and I may even try to get back to Salida in Aug or Sep this year to test it out. I'll definitely swap out the 34t chainring for a 30t though to give me the full advantage that I need, i.e. 30X52 = 19% efficiency gain over the 30X42 that I've been riding for the last 9 years. So I guess that I'm viewing this as my form of an eBike, and at 24lb, it will be SUPER fun to rocket around on. 

Hit me up if you get to Salida this summer - I'm up there much of the year these days. I've ridden the Crest 30+ times - to be fair, it doesn't get any easier as you get older. I've got the whole thing divided into 45 min segments -- makes it mentally easier. Always a fun day out!

[Motopail]

yea...  was the last hold out with my posse of moto-heads...   

that changed as we were at PACE and was to be the only one without an e-bike.     To my surprise...   there with a big red bow...  a new Levo with a card on it.

A gift from my kid sister and nephew...   they had secretly worked with my bud and TJ's.

have to admit...  it is a hoot...    not the same,  but fast and fun.

 

now if I ride alone..   I'll take the Hightower ...   but with a group of e-dudes it is a conga line through the trees.